The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

December 2021 in “ Cells ”

Anna Waśkiel‐Burnat, M Osińska, Anna Salińska, Leszek Blicharz, Mohamad Goldust, Małgorzata Olszewska, Lidia Rudnicka

TLDR Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.

The study investigates the role of serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with alopecia areata (AA) and their clinical implications. It finds that AA is characterized by elevated levels of Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-12), Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13), and Th17 cytokines (IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23), which correlate with disease severity and duration. Elevated cytokine levels are linked to increased risks of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. Treatments like tofacitinib and DPCP can normalize cytokine levels, suggesting their role in disease pathogenesis and potential as therapeutic targets. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding cytokine profiles in developing personalized treatments for AA patients.

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Interleukin levels are higher in alopecia areata patients but don't predict disease severity or duration.

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23 citations , January 2020 in “Central-European Journal of Immunology/Central European Journal of Immunology”

Alopecia areata, a type of hair loss, is likely an autoimmune disease with a genetic link, but its exact cause is still unknown.

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The most common hair loss type at specialist clinics is androgenetic alopecia, especially in younger men, followed by alopecia areata and telogen effluvium, with differences seen across regions.

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95 citations , November 2018 in “Australasian journal of dermatology”

Alopecia areata treatment varies, with no optimal method established yet.

research Alopecia Areata: A Review of Disease Pathogenesis

191 citations , September 2018 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Alopecia areata is likely an autoimmune disease with unclear triggers, involving various immune cells and molecules, and currently has no cure.

research Cytokine Targeted Therapeutics for Alopecia Areata: Lessons from Atopic Dermatitis and Other Inflammatory Skin Diseases

25 citations , January 2018 in “The journal of investigative dermatology. Symposium proceedings/The Journal of investigative dermatology symposium proceedings”

Targeted cytokine treatments may help with alopecia areata, but more research is needed.

research Th1/Th2 Peripheral Blood Balance and CD200 Expression in Patients with Active Severe Alopecia Areata

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research Altered Expression of Intracellular Toll-Like Receptors in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Patients with Alopecia Areata

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Increased Toll-like receptors in blood cells may contribute to alopecia areata and could be a target for new treatments.

research Alopecia Areata Profiling Shows TH1, TH2, and IL-23 Cytokine Activation Without Parallel TH17/TH22 Skewing

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research Alopecia Areata Update

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research The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications

37 citations , December 2021 in “Cells”

Alopecia areata severity and treatment response are linked to specific cytokine levels.